To be more, is to know more; and to know more, is to be more. This expression is articulated by Socrates, Aristotle, and Albert Einstein in their statements about the relationship between knowledge, existence, and self-awareness. The core idea is that increased knowledge leads to greater understanding and a fuller sense of being.
In attempting to take a position over Senator Natasha’s travail with Senate President Akpabio, it is within the province of rationality to visit the remote and immediate causes of the imbroglio.
Akpabio is acknowledged to be a very close friend to Natasha’s husband, Chief Uduaghan. Akpabio confirmed this. He attended their wedding at Ihima and was accommodated in Natasha’s house. He also acknowledged this gesture.
Ironically, when Natasha became a Senator, it is expected that the family bond should remain strong. If, however, Akpabio decided to jettison that bond by sexually harassing her (allegedly), men of conscience, won’t you tell him to defend himself?
As Natasha strived to avoid his pressure, he allegedly refused to let go his desire. From reports, the victim initially tried to keep the disgraceful overture from her husband to avoid rocking the boat of the family tie.
Yet, the suspect would still not have a rethink. Rather, he began to oppress Natasha by not putting forth her Bills for deliberations on the floor of Senate. Poised to work for her Constituency, she spoke to her husband to intervene. And as the husband later made it know to the public, he met with his supposedly “good friend” Akpabio and appealed that they resolve the matter just between them, the two friends.
But Akpabio would not listen to Uduaghan’s voice of reason. Rather, he went ahead to remove Natasha as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned her.
As if that wasn’t enough, he directed that her seat be changed without prior notice. Interestingly, Akpabio had once vehemently protested over similar action when Senator Saraki was Senate President and he was not suspended. So, if Senator Natasha now found herself in the same shoes and like Akpabio, she protested, what crime has she committed to warrant a six-month suspension. Is this not an affront to democracy and brazen oppression of Kogi Central Senatorial District?
Rather than hitting hard on Akpabio to come and and defend his integrity and moral standing, some people chose to be glossing over an issue that has become a global embarrassment to the Nigerian Senate across the world.
Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan should be commended and deeply appreciated for stoutly defending her marital status, exhibiting a very high moral standard, standing firm on justice and displaying the rare courage that Egbira people are hitherto known for.
She should remain steadfast, it’s a passing face that she will certainly triumph and the entire people of Kogi Central Senatorial District will continue to appreciate her. They will remain proud of her.
Abdullah Zubayr
